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SNAP/EBT benefits cover groceries — but there’s a long list of discounts, programs, and savings that your EBT card unlocks beyond the grocery store. From museum admissions to streaming services, internet access to grocery delivery, these programs are genuinely valuable, and many families don’t know they exist. Here’s a comprehensive look at what EBT can do for your family beyond the food budget.
Museums, Zoos, and Cultural Institutions: Museums for All
This is one of the most valuable and least-known EBT benefits. Museums for All is a national program where over 1,600 museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions offer $1–$5 admission per person (typically up to 4 people per visit) when you show your EBT card and a photo ID at the door.
No registration is required — just show up with your EBT card and ID. The program covers institutions in all 50 states and is growing every year. To find participating institutions near you, visit museums4all.org and search by zip code or state.
Participating institutions include major museums that would otherwise cost $15–$30 per person. If your family hasn’t explored Museums for All, checking their site before any family outing is worth doing — you may find institutions you didn’t know participated.
Amazon Prime Access: $6.99/Month
Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership called Prime Access (formerly Prime Discounted Monthly Offering) for households receiving EBT or Medicaid. The cost is $6.99 per month, compared to the standard $14.99/month rate — saving $96 per year.
Prime Access includes all the same benefits as regular Prime: free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Reading, Amazon Music, and the same grocery delivery discounts at Whole Foods. To sign up, go to amazon.com/prime and look for the “Qualifying government assistance programs” option at checkout. You’ll be asked to verify your eligibility. The $6.99 rate renews monthly, and you can cancel any time.
Walmart+ Assist: 50% Off Walmart+
Walmart+ offers a program called Walmart+ Assist for households participating in government assistance programs including SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and WIC. Eligible members pay approximately $6.47/month (or $49/year) instead of the standard $12.95/month — roughly half price.
Walmart+ includes free delivery from Walmart stores, free shipping on Walmart.com, fuel savings at Walmart fuel stations and Murphy USA gas stations, and access to Paramount+ with ads. To apply for the discount, visit walmart.com/plus and look for the Assist membership option. Verification through ID.me is required.
Instacart+: $4.99/Month for EBT Users
Instacart offers a discounted Instacart+ membership for customers who have used their EBT card for purchases on Instacart within the past 12 months. The discounted rate is $4.99/month (standard rate: $9.99/month), which includes free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees.
Note that SNAP benefits can be used on Instacart at participating retailers to purchase eligible food items — the platform has expanded EBT payment acceptance significantly. Check the Instacart app for current participating stores in your area.
Internet and Phone: Lifeline and Low-Cost Broadband Programs
SNAP participation qualifies households for the federal Lifeline program, which provides up to $9.25/month off a monthly internet or phone bill (or $34.25/month on qualifying Tribal lands). Lifeline is available through many providers — your current internet or phone company may offer it. You can apply at lifelinesupport.org to see participating providers in your area.
Separately, Comcast Internet Essentials offers low-income internet service at $14.95/month for 75 Mbps service. SNAP participation is one of the qualifying criteria. Visit internetessentials.com to check eligibility and apply. Other internet providers in your area may have similar low-income programs — it’s worth asking your provider directly.
Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which previously offered up to $30/month toward internet bills, ended in June 2024 and is no longer available. Lifeline remains active.
Local and City-Specific EBT Discounts
Many cities, counties, transit agencies, parks departments, and local businesses offer their own EBT discounts that aren’t part of any national program. These vary enormously by location but can include:
- Transit passes at reduced rates — major metro areas including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and others offer reduced transit fares for EBT cardholders. Check your local transit authority’s website.
- City rec center memberships — many park and recreation departments offer reduced or free gym, pool, and program access for EBT households
- YMCA memberships — the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program (not EBT-specific, but income-based) often covers membership costs for qualifying families; ask at your local branch
- Local farmers markets — many markets participate in programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which match SNAP dollars spent at the market dollar-for-dollar on fresh produce
- Utility assistance — SNAP participation often qualifies households for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) to help with heating and cooling bills
How to Find What’s Available Near You
The fastest way to find EBT discounts in your area:
- Search “[your city] EBT discounts” or “[your state] SNAP benefits beyond food” — state social services websites often maintain lists
- Visit museums4all.org and search your zip code for cultural institutions
- Check your local transit authority website for EBT transit discounts
- Ask at your local library — many have a community resource list that includes local EBT-based programs
- Check benefits.gov for federal programs you may qualify for alongside SNAP
EBT benefits extend well beyond the grocery store, and many of the programs above are genuinely underused simply because families don’t know they exist. If your household receives SNAP benefits, it’s worth spending an hour going through this list and signing up for the ones that make sense for your family.
